Austrian Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer said on Monday that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment that is expected to last approximately three months. The 61-year-old economist, who was appointed to the government by the Social Democrats, said he plans to continue to serve in his current role while receiving medical care.
In a statement issued by his ministry, Marterbauer said immediate treatment is necessary but expressed optimism about the prospects for recovery. "I have been diagnosed with lymphoma. An illness that now has very good chances of recovery, thanks to extensive research and the good Austrian healthcare system. However, it is important that I start appropriate treatment immediately," the statement said.
Marterbauer indicated that his official calendar will be updated to reflect treatment sessions. He warned that some appointments may be moved to accommodate medical needs, but he emphasized his intention to maintain full responsibilities throughout the treatment period.
Opinion polling cited by his office places Marterbauer as the most popular minister within the ruling three-party coalition, which is led by the conservative People20 Party. As finance minister, he has been overseeing efforts to bring Austria20 s budget deficit down to the European Union20 s limit of 3% of economic output, a central aspect of his portfolio.
The ministry did not provide additional details in the announcement beyond the expected duration of treatment and the plan for Marterbauer to continue his duties. The statement highlighted the role of medical research and Austria20 s healthcare system in offering favorable recovery prospects, and stressed the importance of beginning treatment without delay.
Key takeaways
- Markus Marterbauer, 61, announced a lymphoma diagnosis and will undergo treatment over the next three months while remaining finance minister.
- Treatment sessions will be added to his official schedule and could lead to occasional rescheduling of appointments.
- Marterbauer has been managing efforts to reduce Austria20 s budget deficit to meet the EU ceiling of 3% of economic output.
Contextual notes
- Polling referenced in the announcement places Marterbauer as the most popular minister in the ruling three-party coalition led by the conservative People20 Party.
Risks and uncertainties
- Medical treatment may require occasional rescheduling of official duties, which could affect the timing of meetings and public engagements.
- There is uncertainty about how the minister20 s treatment schedule will intersect with ongoing efforts to reduce the national budget deficit.